When I was younger, I took it completely for granted. I wanted to get out of this town as soon as I could. When I finally got out of here, I was very happy to be away but it still felt like home when I came to visit my family and friends but I swore I would never come and live here again.
In all honesty, this town does not have a lot going for it at this moment, as it is worn down, tired and in need of some serious upgrading and people with a strong vision to make it a positive place to live again. Also for Olivia's sake, I would like to see it grow again into a vibrant city with bars to go to, nice restaurants to eat, places to go dancing, buzzling terraces in the summer time with a good vibe and all that.
But then again, being happy somewhere for me comes down to feeling at home and being able to be yourself and to belong somewhere. If I am honest with myself, I did not have that when living in other cities.I was trying to find myself and I did not find it elsewhere.
Before I finally settled down here again with the love of my life, I fled back twice for a little while (bad breakups and all that) and the town (or the people in my direct circle) always welcomed me with their arms open and that is something I will never forget and I will always be grateful for. That's why my hometown will always be special for me. Even if we move one day, I know we can always come back and everything will be the same. We will still go for a drink with all our kids and hopefully they will become friends too.
But I hope they will be less crazy than we were/are.
